Call to Musicians:
2026 LBMX Musicians
Mentorship Program

The 2026 LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program is an immersive artist development initiative designed to support emerging bands in London, Ontario. The program equips rising musicians with the practical skills, professional assets, and industry knowledge needed to advance to the next stage of their careers.

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Through a combination of live performance opportunities, professional coaching, brand development, and industry-focused workshops, the program replicates the early-career experience of a signed artist and prepares participants for the realities of today’s music industry.

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Now in its fourth year, the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program continues to strengthen London’s music ecosystem by helping emerging bands build professional experience, develop their artistic identity, and expand their industry networks.

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What Participating 2026 Bands Will Receive
Selected bands will participate in a structured artist development experience that includes:

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• ​Paid Live Performance Opportunities

Each band will perform at three major events, providing meaningful resume-building opportunities and exposure to new audiences.

 

• ​Pre-Performance Coaching

Participants will receive professional coaching from a curated panel of industry experts focused on strengthening:​

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- musicianship and musical arrangement

- stage presence and performance confidence

- audience engagement

- technical performance readiness

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This coaching ensures that bands enter their performances fully prepared for a professional live environment.

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• Brand Enhancement Sessions

Bands will participate in expanded Brand Enhancement Sessions, designed to strengthen their professional image and marketing assets. These sessions include:

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- brand consultation and identity development

- a professional photo shoot with a leading industry photographer

- guidance on how to use branding assets across press kits, social media, and promotional materials

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These sessions ensure that artists leave the program with high-quality visual assets suitable for EPKs, websites, album artwork, and promotional campaigns.​

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• Industry Development Workshop

Participants will attend an intensive professional development workshop led by industry professionals covering:

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- building and refining Electronic Press Kits (EPKs)

- booking expectations and industry standards

- strategies for securing supporting-act opportunities

- outreach and networking strategies for touring and festivals

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This workshop equips artists with the practical knowledge needed to navigate the music industry and pursue future opportunities.

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Performance Opportunities

Participating bands will perform at three key events throughout the program:

 

• ​London Music Week Opening Night

Each band will perform as part of the London Music Week kickoff celebration, one of the city’s premier music events that introduces emerging artists to industry professionals and new audiences.

• Dundas Place Performance

Bands will perform during the Dundas Place Summer Social, a public outdoor activation presented in partnership with the City of London. This performance helps artists build audience engagement and gain experience performing in a festival-style environment.​

• ExtravaBandza

The program culminates with ExtravaBandza, the flagship showcase of the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program.

At this event, participating bands perform in a major festival environment as supporting acts for a nationally recognized touring artist. The event operates as a full-day street-festival experience featuring live music, vendors, and community activations, creating a high-visibility moment for participating musicians. (Headliner TBA)

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Timeline (May – September 2026)

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Payouts (Per Band)

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Program Eligibility

To be eligible for the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program, bands must meet the following criteria:

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• All band members must be 18 years of age or older

• The band must have a minimum of three members

• At least two-thirds of members (including the band's primary contact) must reside in London, Ontario or surrounding First Nations communities, including: Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, Munsee-Delaware Nation

• The band’s primary activity must be based in London’s music community

• The band must have a minimum of two years of professional experience, including paid performances or music industry opportunities

• The band must be considered emerging

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The London Arts Council defines an emerging band as a group of developing artists who are actively building their presence through performances, recordings, and audience engagement while demonstrating strong artistic potential.

 

*** Bands must be available for all program dates listed in the timeline ***

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Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Artistic Merit – 40%

2. Program Alignment – 30%

3. Passion and Commitment – 30%

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Application Information

Applicants must read the full program information prior to completing the online application.

Due to the high volume of applications, only selected bands will be contacted.​